Ophthalmology & Optometry/contact lens replacement

QuestionI am wearing Avaira contact lenses with a 2-week replacement schedule. If I wear them only every other day, is it okay to replace them once a month, instead of every 2 weeks?

AnswerPeter,
This is a common question, and the answer is no. The lenses expire not after single uses x amount of days. The material actually goes bad, once it's exposed to air, UV and the protein in your tears. If you're not using it every day, you may be able to increase the life expectancy by 1.5x, but never double. SO, if it's a 2 wk lens, if you kept it clean and only wore it 1/2 the time, you could likely keep it for 3 weeks without problems.
That being said, the official, medical advice is always follow the directions of your doctor.
On a side note, if you're wearing them 1/2 the time or less, it would make sense to get fit in a daily disposable contact lens. They're less than a dollar a day, and then you don't have to worry about hygiene, disinfection, lenses going bad, buying solutions, etc.
Good Luck!
Dr.D

Expertise

As a residency-trained Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry I am able to answer most questions regarding eye and vision health. Anything is welcome, ranging from dry or allergy eyes, bifocal contact lenses, or thoughts on LASIK surgery. As I am not a surgeon, detail-oriented surgical-related questions may be better answered by an ophthalmologist.

Experience

Selected to participate in the PCO residency program in Philadelphia at The Eye Institute, where I worked OD and MD specialists gaining invaluable experience in various clinics including glaucoma, cornea and cataract, oculo-plastics, retinal disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease, primary care, emergency medicine, and special populations. Have practiced and trained in numerous settings including hospital, academic, retail and private practice.
I earned my Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). There are currently only about 3000 active fellows worldwide, and there are only about 70 Fellows in the state of Virginia.
I currently own and operate my own optometric practice/clinic.

Education/CredentialsBachelor of Science, Cum Laude, Virginia Tech.
Bachelor of Science, Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Doctorate (OD), Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Residency, Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry